FilePlanet was launched, and was run by, GameSpy, which is now a subsidiary of IGN. Users could either pay a fee to access High-speed servers with no wait times, or wait a certain amount of time in a line before downloading (only for particularly popular files). FilePlanet used to require registration for download services but later removed this registration FilePlanet contained a variety of files such as game demos, trailers, and patches. The site had its own download service known as Download Manager which automatically downloaded files requested; if the service was not installed or the user was not using IE, the file was downloaded through normal FTP connection.

FilePlanet origins trace back to late 1997 during the time of Quake 2. Online First Person Shooters were beginning to rise in popularity along with custom maps and modifications. Kevin 'Fragmaster' Bowen had the idea to develop a website that would provide files for players to install and use for their video games. With this FilePlanet was born in 1999, consisting of close to 10,000 files; the majority of which were Quake 2. Powered by GameSpy, FilePlanet was one of the first massive file distributing sites of its time.

FilePlanet went through several transitions over the years, improving and adding more to their service. Though there were earlier versions of FilePlanet's layout, most users recall the gold color layout of FilePlanet as this was when FilePlanet's popularity began to increase. In August 2001, they began to add personal servers where users could download files at an increased speed and no wait times for a fee of $6.95 a month. Other benefits for being a FilePlanet subscriber were special forums, no advertisements, and exclusive access to betas and events. Early beta programs on FilePlanet consisted of Desert Combat, Final Fantasy XI, PlanetSide, The Sims Online, Steam, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, and Final Fantasy XIV being one of their latest. In 2004, FilePlanet along with GameSpy went under the ownership of IGN Entertainment. Along with the new ownership, the site launched with a new redesigned look. Adding more information and ease of use for visitors along with additional perks for subscribers. This website design was in use till their latest website design. Their latest, and current website design was launched in early 2010.

As of April 2012, the site was no longer being updated and has a note saying it is in the process of being Archived.
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